MLB FanHouse

Manny Ramirez Exercises His Option to Stay in Los Angeles

Tom Fornelli — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:13:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, NL West, MLB Transactions

In what wasn't much of a surprise, Los Angeles Dodgers left-fielder Manny Ramirez has decided to exercise his player option for 2010 and will return to the Dodgers next season. His agent Scott Boras let Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti know about Ramirez's decision on Friday night.

All of which means that Ramirez will make $20 million with the Dodgers rather than becoming a free agent, which is a smart move considering it's highly unlikely Manny would get that much money anywhere else next year. Manny didn't have the greatest season for the Dodgers in 2009, but Colletti is confident he'll bounce back next season.

"There was no doubt he had his struggles this past season," he said. "We still feel that he's a very good hitter and maybe with a winter off and a chance to regroup, he can come back with a better frame of mind and his confidence rebuilt."

Those struggles were no doubt aided by the 50-game suspension Ramirez had to serve midway through the season after violating MLB's drug policy. Before the suspension Ramirez was hitting .348 with six home runs and 20 RBI. After the suspension his average dropped to .269 with 13 homers and 43 RBI.

Since Ramirez will be returning you can expect Colletti will be trying his hardest to move Juan Pierre at the general managers meetings in Chicago on Monday. Pierre has two years and $18.5 million remaining on his contract, and that's a lot of money to pay your fourth outfielder. Especially when there are other holes on the roster that need to be filled.

Manny Ramirez Exercises His Option to Stay in Los Angeles originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Options Aplenty: Lee, Webb Stay Put, Dye Bought Out by White Sox

Andrew Johnson — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Diamondbacks, Phillies, White Sox, MLB Transactions

The champagne is barely dry in the Yankees clubhouse, but the business of 2010 is already well under way. Three trades are in the books, a number of players have already filed for free agency and Bobby Abreu has a new deal with the Angels.

In that vein, three clubs made decisions on contract options Friday as they held on to star players for next year. The Phillies and Diamondbacks both picked up the options they held on ace pitchers Cliff Lee and Brandon Webb, respectively, while the White Sox bought out right fielder Jermaine Dye.

Chicago's World Series MVP in 2005, Dye, who will turn 36 in January, was due to make $12 million in 2010. He'll instead receive $950,000 from the White Sox and hit the open market.

Free agency was not kind to aging corner outfielders last winter (just ask Abreu), and there is a virtual consensus that Dye can not play even an average right field anymore, but his time in Chicago was remarkably successful all the same.

He shed the durability issues that plagued him in Oakland during the first half of the decade, and was, at times (particularly in 2006 and 2008), an imposing force in Ozzie Guillen's lineup. He almost certainly will not equal on the open market in terms of annual salary what he would have made had the White Sox picked up his option, but he shouldn't have trouble finding work.

The Phillies haven't made an official announcement, but MLB.com's Todd Zolecki is reporting that they've picked up Lee's $8 million option for next season, and really there are no surprises there. Lee, who came to Philadelphia in a July deal with the Indians, was a dominant force in the postseason, going 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA in five starts, including both of the Phillies' wins in the World Series.

Lee can become a free agent after 2010, but Phils general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is going to try to convince him to sign a long-term extension to keep him in the City of Brotherly Love before then, so think of the option as a way station on the way to the team's ultimate goal.

As for Webb, the 2006 NL Cy Young Award winner was limited to a lone start this season because of ominous shoulder problems, for which he eventually had surgery. Given that Webb's option for 2010 costs $8.5 million -- a sizable chunk of mid-market Arizona's payroll, which was $73.5 million on Opening Day this year -- the Diamondbacks must be feeling pretty confident about the progress of his rehab from the procedure on his right shoulder.

"Since Brandon has recovered well from his surgery, we have decided to exercise his option," Arizona GM Josh Byrnes said in a statement. "His accomplishments for our organization have been significant. We look forward to him returning to the mound."

Options Aplenty: Lee, Webb Stay Put, Dye Bought Out by White Sox originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mark Teahen Traded to Chicago

Tom Fornelli — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Royals, White Sox, AL Central, MLB Transactions

The rumors started early on Thursday morning that the Kansas City Royals had agreed to trade Mark Teahen to the Chicago White Sox for Chris Getz and Josh Fields. Neither team would confirm the deal throughout the day, but 24 hours later it has become official.

Teahen and cash will be heading to Chicago for Getz and Fields. While it can't be known for sure, odds are the amount of cash the White Sox will receive from the Royals for the arbitration eligible Teahen is what kept the trade from being completed for 24 hours.

Teahen could be a useful player for the White Sox as he gives them a couple of options. He can play right field and replace Jermaine Dye who became a free agent on Friday, but he can also play in the infield as well. White Sox general manager Kenny Williams said during a conference call with reporters on Friday morning that the team's plan is to use Teahen at third base and move Gordon Beckham to second base.

He'll also provide a left-handed bat in a lineup that is somewhat righty-dominant in the wake of trading Jim Thome to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Royals will be getting two players that they can use to play all the positions they had Teahen try over the last few years, and they will do so at a much cheaper price. Fields was originally supposed to be Chicago's replacement for Joe Crede after he hit 23 homers and drove in 67 runs in 2007. Since then he hasn't been nearly as productive, and it was obvious that his time in Chicago was going to come to an end at some point this offseason.

Getz will be a useful player for the Royals, though their immediate plans for him aren't clear. The 26-year-old second baseman hit .261 for Chicago in 107 games and also stole 25 bases in 27 attempts. Getz is also a solid defender at second base, so it's possible the team is planning on having him play second, with Alberto Callaspo moving to shortstop.

Mark Teahen Traded to Chicago originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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J.J. Hardy Traded for Carlos Gomez

Matt Snyder — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Brewers, Twins, AL Central, NL Central, MLB Transactions

It was no secret J.J. Hardy was likely going to be traded this offseason, but most believed the Brewers would use him to acquire some desperately needed starting pitching help. Instead, they have opted to move him to Minnesota for a young center fielder -- Carlos Gomez.

Hardy, 27, fell out of favor with the Brewers this past season as he failed to meet his previously set offensive standards. He ended the season with an abysmal .659 OPS and the Brewers have uber-prospect Alcides Escobar waiting in the wings (he hit .304 in 38 big-league games last season). Thus, it made sense to move Hardy, who did hit 50 home runs in his previous two campaigns, for help elsewhere.

Hardy will slide into the starting shortstop role for the Twins, who are now almost certain to allow Orlando Cabrera to walk as a free agent.

With the emergence of Denard Span in center for Minnesota, Gomez -- who came over as part of the Johan Santana trade -- became expendable for the Twins. The 23-year-old speedster hit just .248 with a .293 on-base percentage in his two years for the Twins. He flashed some promise at times, racking up impressive stolen base totals and several triples, but he largely disappointed at the plate.

Still, he's only going to be 24 on Opening Day, 2010, and the Brewers can plug him into center field in place of most-likely-departing Mike Cameron. Gomez makes much more sense for the Brewers than Cameron anyway, considering his age and the fact that the Brewers already have enough power. They need table-setters. If Gomez can find a way to work his OBP up to the .350 (or more) range, he'll be a very valuable cog in the Milwaukee lineup.

Both teams have a bit more work to do, but the World Series just ended Wednesday. For now, this is a good, mutually-beneficial trade to kick off Hot Stove season for each.

J.J. Hardy Traded for Carlos Gomez originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeremy Hermida Traded to Red Sox

Matt Snyder — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Marlins, Red Sox, MLB Transactions

With the conclusion of the World Series, it appears Major League Baseball isn't wasting any time thrusting us directly into Hot Stove season. In the midst of Mark Teahen rumors, we have been served our first actual trade. The Boston Red Sox have acquired 25-year-old outfielder Jeremy Hermida from the Florida Marlins for pitchers Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones.

Thus far in his career, Hermida has failed to live up to the lofty expectations that come for someone with his natural abilities. A former first-rounder once said to have five-tool potential, Hermida has hit .265 with a barely above average OPS through just over 3 1/2 seasons in the bigs. Of course, some circumstances should be considered.

Remember, Hermida will enter 2010 at the ripe, young age of 26. It's not like he never has a chance to live up to the first-round expectations. Secondly, he's been playing home games in the spacious Land Shark Stadium. Despite an outlier last season (where it somehow, inexplicably, became a hitter's park), the Marlins' home field is traditionally rough on power hitters. Hermida's splits show he has had trouble hitting at home, and we have a perfect sample upon which to judge.

Through his career, Hermida has played exactly 258 games at home and on the road. At home, he's hitting .253 with 23 home runs, 94 RBI and a .721 OPS. On the road he's hitting .276 with 34 home runs, 116 RBI and an .815 OPS. Clearly, the ballpark was doing a number on Hermida.

Another plus is he'll get to join a much more potent lineup in Boston, though it appears he may not have an immediate starting spot. Hermida is a corner outfielder, as are Jason Bay and J.D. Drew. Bay is a free agent and it's not a sure thing the Red Sox re-up with him. It should also be noted Hermida's name was in the mix in the Manny Ramirez trade rumors in the summer of '08 -- a move that eventually landed the Red Sox Bay. Thus, Theo Epstein and company may have had their eyes on Hermida for a while. Maybe they wouldn't mind replacing Bay with him, however, a source told FanHouse that the trade will not effect the Red Sox' effort to retain Bay.

Perhaps it's just insurance in case they can't sign Bay?

As for the players the Marlins received, Jones is a 25-year-old lefty who had a 4.25 ERA in 53 Triple-A innings this year. He appeared in 11 games for the Red Sox and was roughed up for a 9.24 ERA. Alvarez looks like the Marlins' prize in the deal. He only made his way to Single-A-Advanced this season, but put up a 2.26 ERA in 26 total outings. He is a 20-year-old left-hander.

Jeremy Hermida Traded to Red Sox originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Angels Re-Sign Abreu Through 2011 With 2012 Option

Ed Price — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, MLB Transactions

After a few efforts over the second half of the season, the Angels were able to re-sign outfielder Bobby Abreu on Thursday, locking up the first of many potential free agents on thier roster.

According to a major league source, Abreu will get $9 million in 2010 and 2011. There is a $1 million buyout on a $9 million option for 2012, but Abreu can guarantee the third year with a certain number of plate appearances.

"We are excited to have Bobby and the presence he brings to our organization," said general manager Tony Reagins in a prepared statement. "He was an integral part of what we accomplished in 2009 and we look forward to his contributions both on and off the field."

Despite Abreu's freakishly consistent performance -- he's played in at least 151 games in every season since 1998 and had at least 100 RBI in every year since 2003 -- he had trouble finding work last winter, settling for a one-year, $5 million deal just days before pitchers and catchers reported to spring training.

Abreu's age, he'll turn 36 next spring training, and a saturated corner outfield market impacted his value then, but his very tangible impact on the Angels lineup, including on many of his teammates, earned him much more job security now.

Known for his discerning batting eye and the way he works opposing pitchers, Abreu was a central figure in a dramatically improved Los Angeles offense in 2009. The Angels went from 10th in the American League in runs scored in 2008 to second in 2009, and instead of bowing out in the Division Series again reached the sixth game of the ALCS before being eliminated by the Yankees.

"I am very happy to sign this contract," said Abreu. "I really enjoyed my first season with the club. The Angels are a solid organization, with an outstanding team and great fans. With the talent we have, I look forward to the opportunity of postseason competition once again."

Reagins will now have to turn his attention to his club's other free agents, including staff ace John Lackey and leadoff man Chone Figgins, who led the AL in walks this season.

Angels Re-Sign Abreu Through 2011 With 2012 Option originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tim Hudson Inks Extension -- Pending MRI -- Gives Braves Hometown Discount

Knox Bardeen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:36:00 EST

Filed under: Braves, NL East, MLB Transactions

You probably want to be spared the cheesy "home is where the heart is" stuff, but to Tim Hudson that sentiment apparently carries a lot of weight. Hudson, who grew up about 100 miles away from Atlanta in Phenix City, Ala. has once again given the Atlanta Braves a hometown discount. It all comes down to two parties wanting to continue a mutually beneficial relationship.

"I wanted to be back and they (Braves) wanted me back", Hudson told local sports-talk radio station 680 the Fan this morning. "Sometimes you have to tell your agent that I'm happy here and you work for me."

The three-year deal is said to be worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $27 million. Terms were finalized this week and Hudson passed his physical yesterday. The only roadblock still in place, according to Dave O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, is an MRI on Hudson's surgically repaired elbow.

With Hudson healthy and back in the Braves rotation, Atlanta has an extra starting pitcher and a glaring need for a power hitter in the middle of the lineup. To get that needed bat, the team is facing a decision on whether to deal someone from this impressive list of pitchers: Jair Jurrjens, Derek Lowe, Kenshin Kawakami, Javier Vazquez, or Tommy Hanson.

Jurrjens and Hanson are safely entrenched in Atlanta. They are excellent pitchers and cheap options as they are both young. And if the team really wants to bring back a middle-of-the-lineup type slugger, Kawakami isn't going to be valuable enough in trade. That leaves either Vazquez or Lowe to dangle in front of general mangers this winter.

Two reasons lead me to believe that Vazquez will be the pitcher given his walking papers. When it comes to return value, the Braves will get a better hitter in return for Vazquez, who is the stronger and younger pitcher. He's also got a much more favorable contract then Lowe, who is still owed $45 million over the next three years.

Tim Hudson Inks Extension -- Pending MRI -- Gives Braves Hometown Discount originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Orioles Decline Melvin Mora's Option

Andrew Johnson — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:38:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, MLB Transactions

Third baseman Melvin Mora's tenure in Baltimore is likely over after the Orioles declined his 2010 option Thursday. The option was valued at $8 million, according to the Baltimore Sun, making it a foregone conclusion that it wouldn't be picked up after Mora's rough 2009.

The 37-year-old, 11-year major league veteran hit .260 in 125 games this year, but, more troubling, slugged .358, the lowest mark of his career and 125 points below his 2008 mark. He also clashed with manager Dave Trembley in August when his playing time was cut.

It ends a 10-year run with the Orioles for the infielder, a rather productive one at that, his 2009 campaign notwithstanding. Mora played in 1,256 games for Baltimore and was an above-average performer in most them, averaging 171 hits per 162 games with a .793 OPS. That will probably offer little consolation going forward.

It could be an awfully uncertain winter for Mora. Veterans didn't exactly fare well on the open market last winter (just look at the contract someone like Bobby Abreu got, or the number of guys who couldn't find work at all), and Mora is coming off of a very tough year. He might be lucky to get anything more than a minor-league deal.

As for the Orioles, they have some nice building blocks offensively, but with Mora and first baseman Aubrey Huff both leaving town in the last few months, GM Andy MacPhail is looking at reconfiguring the infield around second baseman Brian Roberts this offseason.

And that's without even mentioning Baltimore's decade-long attempt to patch together a pitching staff that can weather six months in the AL East without completely collapsing.

Orioles Decline Melvin Mora's Option originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Astros Hire Brad Mills as Manager

Andrew Johnson — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: Astros, MLB Transactions

The Houston Astros are poised to announce the hiring of Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills as their new manager Tuesday, according to multiple reports, first from MLB.com, a move that comes two days after the club lost out on Manny Acta to the Indians.

Mills, who came to Boston with manager Terry Francona before the 2004 season and won two World Series with the team, also managed in the minors for 11 seasons and played four seasons with the Montreal Expos from 1980-83.

The Mills hiring continues a mini-exodus from Boston. This past week former Red Sox assistant general manager Jed Hoyer was hired away by the Padres to be that club's general manager, a sign of how well-respected Boston's management team has become in baseball circles.

Mills will have his hands full in Houston. He inherits a team that went 74-88 in 2009, hasn't finished higher than third in the NL Central since 2006 and features an aging core of Lance Berkman, 33, Carlos Lee, 33, and Roy Oswalt, 32. To make matters more difficult, the Astros' farm system is considered one of the thinnest in the game and owner Drayton McLane has shown little patience for a lengthy rebuilding effort in the past (though he did seem more open to one earlier this season).

That lack of patience has resulted in plenty of instability in positions of leadership. The Astros have had four different general managers (three permanent) since 2000 and Mills we be the team's sixth different manager (fifth permanent) over the same time span.

Houston passed over two other finalists for the job -- interim manager Dave Clark, who led the team over the final 13 games of the season after Cecil Cooper was fired and Phil Garner, who managed the club for parts of four seasons (2004-07).

Astros Hire Brad Mills as Manager originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sale of Cubs Finally Complete

Tom Fornelli — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, MLB Biz, MLB Transactions

It only took 2 1/2 years, but it was announced on Tuesday that the sale of one of baseball's most storied franchises, the Chicago Cubs, was completed. Tom Ricketts' bid to buy the team was first approved earlier this year, and now the team belongs to the son of TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts.

Along with the team, Ricketts and his family also assume ownership of Wrigley Field and a 25 percent share of Comcast SportsNet in Chicago, which broadcasts Cubs games, along with old Tribune Company standby WGN. Once it's all said and done, the Tribune Company should pull in about $740 million from the deal, a record surpassing the $660 million John Henry, Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino paid for the Red Sox in 2002.

As for Ricketts, this is the culmination of a lifelong dream to own the team he rooted for as a child. He even spent time living in an apartment across the street from Wrigley Field, and met his wife at a Cubs game. No doubt winning her over with the line "You know, one day I'm going to own this team and this park. Go out with me and you'll have all the free hot dogs you can dream of."

He now says his new goal is to "go to work building the championship tradition that all Cubs fans so richly deserve." Considering the team's history, fans may want to just settle for the free hot dogs.

Sale of Cubs Finally Complete originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jed Hoyer Likely to Be Next Padres GM

Andrew Johnson — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Padres, MLB Biz, MLB Rumors, MLB Transactions

One of Major League Baseball's two general manager vacancies could be filled in the next few days. The Padres appear poised to hire Red Sox assistant general manager Jed Hoyer to replace long-time GM Kevin Towers, who was fired at the beginning of October, according to multiple outlets including the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Hoyer has been a bit of a hot property for awhile now, having interviewed for GM positions with the Pirates and Nationals in recent years, but this won't be his first general managing job.

He and Ben Cherington were named co-GMs of the Red Sox in the winter of 2006 during Theo Epstein's brief hiatus from his post running the club, and most famously helped orchestrate the deal that brought Josh Beckett to Boston.

While San Diego is not expected to make an announcement immediately, one could come in the next few days.

"We're still working on it," CEO Jeff Moorad told the Union-Tribune via e-mail Wednesday night. "We have a couple follow-up discussions scheduled for (Thursday), then are likely to move toward a decision."

Moorad took partial control of the Padres this year, agreeing to purchase the club in full from John Moores within five years, and though San Diego suffered through its second straight losing season and is cash-strapped because of Moores' ongoing divorce, the club showed promise by going 37-25 in its final 62 games.

That promise made it all the more surprising when Towers, highly respected in the industry and, at the time, the longest-tenured GM with one team, was forced out.

Hoyer is the second Epstein disciple to take the reins of a major league club, with current Diamondbacks general manager Josh Byrnes -- also hired by Moorad, who was with Arizona at the time -- being the first.

The Red Sox front office is one of the most highly regarded in the game. While the team has deep coffers, it is also known for its creative and methodical approach to building an organization. Hoyer will not have limitless resources at his disposal in San Diego, so he will have to be especially ingenious to turn the Padres into a winner again.

Jed Hoyer Likely to Be Next Padres GM originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Colletti Agrees to Stay as Dodgers GM 'A Long Time'

Ed Price — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, MLB Biz, MLB Transactions

Ned Colletti hasn't been perfect in four seasons as the Dodgers' general manager. But he promises he has learned from his mistakes.

The team announced Tuesday that Colletti had agreed to a "long-term" extension.

"I think that some of the decisions we made that didn't work out particularly well were out of impatience on our own part," Colletti said -- referring to (not by name) -- contracts for Juan Pierre, Jason Schmidt and Andruw Jones. "I think the last year or so our deliberation and our thought process were keener, were a little bit more fine-tuned, were less impatient."

Instead, the Dodgers have blended acquisitions (Manny Ramirez, Orlando Hudson, Rafael Furcal, Casey Blake, Hiroki Kuroda) with a home-grown core.

The Dodgers have made the postseason three of the past four seasons and have the second-best record in the NL over Colletti's tenure.

"One of our core promises to our fans is championship-caliber baseball, year in and year out," owner Frank McCourt said in a prepared statement. "Ned has been instrumental in our going a long way towards fulfilling that promise. I couldn't be happier for him, both personally and professionally. The stability and continuity that extending his contract provides will further help us achieve the goal of being a consistent winner and I'm thrilled that he will continue to lead our baseball operations into the future."

McCourt and his wife are separated, raising questions about the stability of upper management. But Colletti said, "Had I
not believed that this was the right place to be, I wouldn't be here."

What went unspoken was the length of Colletti's new contract. Neither the Dodgers nor Colletti would get more specific than "long-term."

"I look forward to being here for a long time," he said. "It's a long-term deal. I'll be here for a long time and I may be here longer than a long time."

Colletti Agrees to Stay as Dodgers GM 'A Long Time' originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kenji Johjima Is Going Back to Japan

Tom Fornelli — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:19:00 EST

Filed under: Mariners, AL West, MLB Transactions

The Seattle Mariners announced on Monday that catcher Kenji Johjima has opted out of his current contract so that he can return to Japan and finish out his career there. Johjima signed a three-year contract extension with the Mariners in April of 2008, but used a clause that allowed him to opt out of the final two years of his deal.

The 33-year-old catcher came to Seattle in November of 2005 after playing 11 seasons in the Japanese Pacific League and was the first Japanese-born player to ever catch in the major leagues. In his four seasons as a Mariner, Johjima hit .268 with 48 home runs and 198 RBI.

"After lots of very deep thought and deliberation, I have decided to return home to resume my career in Japan," said Johjima. "I have had a wonderful experience competing at the major league level. The last four years have been extraordinary, with great teammates and great coaches. I will always be indebted to the Mariners organization for giving me the opportunity to follow my dream. This was a very difficult decision, both professionally and personally. I feel now is the time to go home, while I still can perform at a very high level. Playing close to family and friends was a major factor. I will miss the Seattle fans and their gracious support. Thank you all."

While Johjima was a very good player for Seattle during his first two years in the Majors, his numbers tailed off the last two seasons. After hitting .287 in 2007, his batting average dropped to .227 in 2008 and .247 this season. He also saw his playing time decline as he played in only 71 games for Seattle this season after never playing less than 112 in his first three years.

As for what this means for the Mariners, right now their top two catching options are Rob Johnson and Adam Moore. Johnson just underwent surgery on Friday to repair torn labrums in both his left and right hip, much like the surgery Chase Utley and Alex Rodriguez had. After letting that heal for three weeks he'll be undergoing surgery for a tear in his right wrist on Friday and may even need to have a bone spur removed from his right elbow.

The Mariners expect him to be ready for spring training.

As for Moore, he only had 23 at-bats with the Mariners this season, and hit .217 with a homer and two RBI. He did hit .294 with an OPS of .775 in 91 games with the Tacoma Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League.

It remains to be seen whether Seattle is content to go with the two youngsters behind the plate in 2010 or if they choose to take a look at any free agents available this winter.

Kenji Johjima Is Going Back to Japan originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rudy Jaramillo Is Leaving the Rangers

Tom Fornelli — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:44:00 EST

Filed under: Rangers, MLB Rumors, MLB Transactions

Year in and year out the Texas Rangers are one of the best offenses in baseball, routinely finishing among the league leaders in runs scored and home runs. While the players have come and gone through the door, the one constant has always been hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo.

Jaramillo has spent the last 15 seasons with the Rangers and helped mold young players into batting champions and MVPs, but after a down season for the Rangers offensively, it seems both Jaramillo and the Rangers have decided to make a change. After receiving a one-year offer from the Rangers to return in 2010, Jaramillo has decided he's going to end his time in Arlington and test the open market.

Rangers officials met with Jaramillo shortly after the season to extend the one-year offer but to also stipulate that the offense needed to improve. The Rangers ranked seventh in runs scored in the AL in 2009, but ranked 11th of 14 teams in batting average (.260) and 12th in on-base percentage (.320). There were concerns about the team's approach, particularly how often the Rangers swung at first pitches and put themselves in unfavorable hitting counts. Though the Rangers ranked in the middle of the pack in pitches per plate appearance (7th at 3.86), they had the highest percentage of first-pitch swings in the AL (31.1) last season.

During his tenure, Jaramillo has produced four MVPs (Juan Gonzalez twice, Ivan Rodriguez and Alex Rodriguez), a batting champ (Michael Young) and three home run champions (Alex Rodriguez, 2001-03).

Considering what Jaramillo accomplished during his time with the Rangers odds are that he's not going to have a hard time finding a new job with more security than a one-year deal elsewhere this winter. In fact, columnists in Chicago were already lobbying the Cubs to go after him before it was even announced he'd be leaving the Rangers.

Considering the work he's done with Alfonso Soriano and Milton Bradley while they were with the Rangers, Jaramillo could be a good fit in Chicago, though odds are they won't be the only team calling him in the coming weeks.

Rudy Jaramillo Is Leaving the Rangers originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trevor Hoffman Re-Signs With Brewers

Matt Snyder — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:48:00 EST

Filed under: Brewers, NL Central, MLB Transactions

The ageless closer has at least one more year in him -- and maybe even two. Multiple outlets are reporting that Trevor Hoffman has signed a new contract to remain with the Milwaukee Brewers.

According to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the deal will pay Hoffman $8 million in 2010 and has a mutual option for 2011. The option contains escalators involving Hoffman's 2010 stats and could pay him up to $8.5 million in 2011. There is also a $500,000 buyout -- which grows to $1 million if Hoffman reaches 40 saves in 2010 -- should the Brewers decide not to retain Hoffman's services for 2011.

Hoffman saved 37 games in 2009 after beginning the season on the disabled list. He put up a 1.93 ERA and 0.91 WHIP, which were his lowest figures since 1998. He also qualified for his seventh All-Star game. There definitely appears to be some gas left in the tank of the 41-year-old.

Trevor Hoffman Re-Signs With Brewers originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Giants Activate Randy Johnson to Pitch Out of Bullpen

Jeff Fletcher — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:14:00 EST

Filed under: Giants, MLB Transactions

SAN FRANCISCO -- Randy Johnson, who has been out for the past two months with a torn rotator cuff, was activated by the Giants after Tuesday night's game. Johnson will join the Giants bullpen.

"It's a golden bullet for us," starter Barry Zito said. "We're excited."

The Giants had not planned to active Johnson until this weekend, at the earliest, but they changed course on Tuesday because right-hander Justin Miller was still bothered by a sore elbow. Miller was placed on the 60-day disabled list, ending his season.

Johnson, 46, has made 10 regular season relief appearances in his career. He said he'd be able to adjust to the new role, including getting loose quickly.

It is unclear just how the Giants would use Johnson initially. Left-hander Jeremy Affeldt has pitched well this year, so at best Johnson would become the No. 2 lefty in the bullpen.

Giants Activate Randy Johnson to Pitch Out of Bullpen originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diamondbacks Not Happy With Dodgers After Garland Trade

Jeff Fletcher — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: Diamondbacks, Dodgers, MLB Transactions

There's a bit of a storm brewing between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers in the wake of last week's trade of Jon Garland from Arizona to Los Angeles.

The Diamondbacks, who were expecting to get infielder Tony Abreu from the Dodgers as the player to be named for Garland, now believe that the Dodgers, presumably GM Ned Colletti, may not have negotiated the deal in good faith, sources told the Arizona Republic.

The issue stems from a grievance Abreu filed over a situation in 2007. The Dodgers sent him to the minors when he believed he should have been on the major league disabled list with an injury. Apparently that grievance is about to be settled by awarding Abreu extra service time, perhaps as much as the entire 47 days he was in Triple-A.

If Abreu gets the extra service time, it could make him arbitration eligible a whole year earlier than the Diamondbacks were expecting. That could cost them a million bucks or more.

So far it's not clear how all this will be resolved. Neither side was talking, but it's likely the commissioner's office is going to have to get involved. The Diamondbacks might be allowed to pick another player from the Dodgers system, perhaps a better one. The Dodgers might be forced to kick in some money to pay the extra money that Abreu could earn.

It would be pretty amusing if the Dodgers had to give Garland back to Arizona -- after he beat Arizona in his first start for Los Angeles -- but that's pretty unlikely. This particular dispute, although fascinating, does not seem to be that serious. There will certainly be an easier remedy.

In any case, if the Dodgers actually made this deal without telling the Diamondbacks about the grievance, that doesn't look good for general manager Ned Colletti. The chance that a player could get more than a quarter-season worth of service time in one swoop would seem to be significant information.

Diamondbacks Not Happy With Dodgers After Garland Trade originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Dugout: It's Tribe Time Now, Part 1

B. Thompson Stroud — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, Indians, NL West, MLB Transactions, The Dugout

In the most important "real life benefiting The Dugout" moment since Barry Bonds dressed up like Paula Abdul, rosy-cheeked Faulknerian idiot man-child and Dugout regular Jim Thome has been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. This reunites him with another Dugout regular, Manny Ramirez, who he has not played with since they both played for the Cleveland Indians in 2000.

Tonight's important next chapter in Dugout lore is after the jump. Hey, I've got to root for the Indians somewhere.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

The Dugout

	WordUpThome: L.A. GUYS ITS JI
	MannyTheTorpedoes: jim tommy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
	WordUpThome: JIM THOME
	WordUpThome: "JIM BEING SEEING MANNY" LONG TIME WITHOUT ANY SEE MY FINELY-ROW'D FRIEND, IT LOOKS LIKE THIS OLD THOME-KNOCKER HAS BEEN TRADED TO "THOSE BUMS" FOR CASH CONSIDERATIONS
	MannyTheTorpedoes: like wehn totonka got friends w/ millon dollar man
	WordUpThome: MORE LIKE WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE SASSY SAPPHIRE BUT YES, SOME-WHAT LIKE THAT
	WordUpThome: SO WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TOWARD FOR THE LAST NINE SEASONS
	MannyTheTorpedoes: strds, playin spies, makign millons of dollar an awords even tho i act like chucky from rugrants
	MannyTheTorpedoes: u
	WordUpThome: I ROPED NUMEROUS DINGERS FOR THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES AND CHICAGO WHITE SOX
	MannyTheTorpedoes: so u win many gray worl series ring
	WordUpThome: FUNNY YOU SHOULD MENTION THAT - HAVE YOU EVER SEEN "THE PEBBLES AND BAMM-BAMM SHOW," WHERE THE FLINTSTONE KIDS ARE GROWN UPS
	MannyTheTorpedoes: ya i love flinston kids
	WordUpThome: NO NOT THE FLINTSTONE KIDS, THE KIDS FROM THE FLINTSTONES, EXCEPT THEY ARE ALL GROWN UP
	MannyTheTorpedoes: rugrants all growed up??
	WordUpThome: NO
	WordUpThome: I AM LIKE A GUY FROM THAT SHOW BUT NEVERMIND I GUESS
	WordUpThome: WHAT DO YOU DO FOR YOUR FUNS IN L. ANGELES
	MannyTheTorpedoes: watch fresh prins, play small ball in ptchrs park
	WordUpThome: SMALL BALL YOU SAY
	MannyTheTorpedoes: ya small ball mean "manny hit hoemrun w/ nobody on base"
	WordUpThome: THAT SOUNDS GREAT IT TURNS OUT I HAVE BEEN PLAYING SMALL BALL FOR 15 YEARS
	MannyTheTorpedoes: to catch u up on fresh prins secon ant viv not as good as firs, funnies jokes are uncle phil fat cartlon white hilry vane an "wade in the water"
	MannyTheTorpedoes: u wan win a worl series this year
	WordUpThome: ABSO, LUTELY... I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SORE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO US IN CLEVELAND
	WordUpThome: HEEEEEEEEY DO YOU KNOW WHAT WOULD BE A GREAT IDEA
	MannyTheTorpedoes: eat some stapels
	WordUpThome: NO, WE SHOULD ROUND UP THE OLD GANG FROM THE '97 WAHOOS AND WIN THE WORLD SERIES IN LOS ANGELES
	MannyTheTorpedoes: how will we fine them all
	WordUpThome: FOLLOW ME, NEW BEST FRIEND
	Online Host WordUpThome and MannyTheTorpedoes have left the chatroom on a tandem bicycle. Online Host Later, in the Texas Rangers Chatroom...
	WordUpThome: OMAR WE ARE GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER, ARE YOU IN
	KenanAndQuel: Yeah, of course!
	WordUpThome: AND AFTER WE JAM FOR A WHILE WE ARE GOING TO PLAY BASEBALL AND TRY TO WIN THE WORLD SERIES, WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO THAT AS WELL
	KenanAndQuel: Oooh, I don't know. I'm having a pretty good year in Texas. They might not let me play for you, too!
	KenanAndQuel: What are you going to do in L.A. anyway, Jim, you haven't played first base in years
	WordUpThome: REMEMBERING HOW TO PLAY FIRST BASE WHILE A MORE DESERVING PLAYER RIDES THE BENCH IS JUST LIKE RIDING A BICYCLE
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /steers tandem bike into Lake Arlington
	WordUpThome: AND IF THAT FAILS I WILL JUST PINCH HIT A LOT
	KenanAndQuel: Okay, I'm in!
	Online Host KenanAndQuel has joined the Los Angeles Dodgers! Online Host Later, in the San Diego Padres Chatroom...
	WordUpThome: HEY BRIAN GILES IT IS JIM THOME AND MAN
	MannyTheTorpedoes: being man
	WordUpThome: MANNY RAMIREZ WE ARE DOING THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT MARK SHAPIRO IS DOING
	ProblemGiles2: Rebuilding the Cleveland Indians?
	WordUpThome: THAT'S A BINGO! WE NEED A GUY ON THE TEAM CRAZIER THAN MANNY ARE YOU IN
	MannyTheTorpedoes: hey he is no crazier than manny manny is the craziest one there is, i like to fart and watch cartoonce
	ProblemGiles2: I like to shave my entire body and walk around naked doing my batting stance in front of my General Manager.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: i have problems with concentration an dont play very hard sometime
	ProblemGiles2: I bathe in a shower full of urine and lathered up pubic hair and make jokes to the media about how I want to f*** my own mother
	MannyTheTorpedoes: i uh... wear baggy close
	ProblemGiles2: I gave my pregnant girlfriend two nonconsecutive miscarriages by beating the sh** out of her and throwing her down a hallway.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: jim tommy i don think i wan 2 play with brian agan :(
	WordUpThome: YEAH WE WERE LOOKING FOR "FUN CRAZY" NOT "AWFUL PERSON WHO SHOULD BE IN JAIL" CRAZY
	WordUpThome: I WONDER WHAT BIP ROBERTS IS UP TO JOURNEYING, I'D WAGER.

Photos link to player info. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) WordUpThome.com

The Dugout: It's Tribe Time Now, Part 1 originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ChiSox Send Jose Contreras to Rockies

Andrew Johnson — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 01:37:00 EST

Filed under: Rockies, White Sox, MLB Transactions

A month after they shocked the baseball world by adding Jake Peavy at the non-waiver trade deadline, the White Sox dismantled part of their 2009 club, sending Jim Thome to the Dodgers and pitcher Jose Contreras to Colorado.

FanHouse's Jeff Fletcher has the details on the Thome deal and more.

As for Contreras, he represents rotation insurance for the Rockies, who have been without stalwart Aaron Cook since he injured his right shoulder on Aug. 21.

Cook figures to return at some point in September, but with Colorado knotted with the Giants atop the NL wild-card standings, it needs someone reliable to make starts in the coming weeks.

Contreras is a veteran with playoff experience. He won a World Series with Chicago in 2005, and he even has limited experience out of the bullpen. He has struggled this year, though, going 5-13 with a 5.42 ERA. The right-hander has been moderately better since the beginning of June, when he returned from a stint in the minors, going 5-8 with a 4.45 ERA.

Of course, with any pitcher moving to Colorado, there is also the Coors Field factor to worry about.

The White Sox will receive pitching prospect Brandon Hynick, who is 10-9 with a 3.83 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 155 innings this season at Triple-A Colorado Springs.

ChiSox Send Jose Contreras to Rockies originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 01:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodgers Snag Jim Thome, Jon Garland

Jeff Fletcher — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:26:00 EST

Filed under: Diamondbacks, Dodgers, White Sox, MLB Transactions

The Dodgers bolstered their rotation and lineup by acquiring Jim Thome from the White Sox and Jon Garland from the Diamondbacks, squeezing the deals in just before the deadline for both players to be eligible for Los Angeles' postseason roster.

The Dodgers reportedly sent infielder Justin Fuller to the White Sox in exchange for Thome and cash considerations. Fuller, a former 11th-round pick, was hitting .254 with four homers as a 26-year-old at Single-A, so he's not much of a prospect. The move amounts to a dump for the White Sox, while the Dodgers are looking for Thome to provide some pop to their lineup.

They acquired Garland for a player to be named.

More Coverage: Rockies Land Contreras From White Sox

Thome, 39, has hit .249 with 23 homers for the White Sox. He was the designated hitter in Chicago, so he'll obviously have to play first for the Dodgers. Thome has not played regularly in the field since 2005 with the Phillies. The Dodgers will also have to figure out how to split time with Thome and James Loney at first. Loney, 25, was hitting .275 with nine homers prior to Monday's game.

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said that Thome will come off the bench.

The Garland deal was less of a surprise. The Dodgers have been looking to add a veteran presence to their rotation for a couple months. Garland, who will turn 30 later this month, is quietly one baseball's most dependable pitchers. He's 8-11 with a 4.29 ERA for the Diamondbacks, including a 3.45 ERA over his past 12 starts.

Garland ranks sixth in the majors in starts since 2002, and he's on his way to his eighth consecutive season of 30 or more starts and 190 or more innings.

Dodgers Snag Jim Thome, Jon Garland originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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